Which Professionals Should Take BLS Certification Classes?

Heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergencies don’t just happen in hospitals. That’s why it’s important for professionals in a variety of settings to be trained and ready to handle a medical emergency. A basic life support (BLS) course can empower you with the specific tools you need to do this.

So how do you know if you should be certified in BLS? Though anyone can take a BLS course, the following types of professionals may be required to hold the certification – or should strongly consider it.

Healthcare professionals

Most professionals in the healthcare field – from physicians to nurses to PAs and technicians – are required to be certified in BLS. In fact, many professionals in other medical settings, including nursing homes or dental offices, may also be expected to have BLS certification. Most hospital professionals who simply have occasional patient contact, including medical students, nursing assistants or patient supporters, may be required to be certified in BLS as well.

Emergency service workers

Emergency service workers such as professional firefighters, EMTs or police officers are likely to be first on the scene of a medical emergency and should be prepared to provide emergency care.

Non-traditional first responders

The following individuals, due to the nature of their work, are likely to be first on the scene of a medical emergency or work far from medical help. If you’re a non-traditional first responder, your employer may require you to be certified in some form of emergency medical care. If not, you may want to consider BLS certification as part of a personal commitment to the well-being of others.

Some non-traditional first responders:

Park rangers
Taxi drivers
Utility workers
Teachers, childcare workers, and school bus drivers
Designated industrial workers in a large facility (industrial plant) or at a remote site (fish-packing plant, commercial vessel, oil rig)
Security guards
Bodyguards
General aviation pilots and commercial flight attendants
Sports coaches and athletic trainers
Recreation center managers
Hunting and fishing guides
Search and rescue personnel
Campus responders and campus police
Lifeguards/ski patrollers
Camp counselors
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and leaders
Airport ground personnel

Individuals who’d like to be able to help others in an emergency

Though the basic life support course is intended primarily for professionals, any individual interested in being prepared for a medical emergency should consider BLS certification. It can help you save a life!

The information included in this article is based on the 2020 guidelines for CPR, first aid and advanced cardiovascular care. Read more about how the 2020 guidelines impact BLS classes.